Design N.40
Artist: Albert Gleizes
Material: Wool and natural silk (customizable in wool, silk, or both)
Edition: Limited edition of 8
Signature: Woven signature and numbering
The Design N.40 rug presents a more organic and rhythmic interpretation of Albert Gleizes’s abstract language, where geometry softens into a looser, more intuitive arrangement of forms. While Gleizes is closely associated with the structured rigor of Cubism, works such as this reveal his interest in pattern, repetition, and the subtle movement of shape across a surface.
The composition is built from irregular, scattered elements—soft-edged forms that resemble spots or fragments—interwoven with loosely defined linear bands. These shapes do not adhere to a strict grid; instead, they appear to drift and settle across the field, creating a sense of quiet motion. The overall effect evokes a tactile, almost textile-like rhythm within the design itself, where repetition and variation work together to create balance.
The palette remains restrained and harmonious, composed of layered neutrals including warm beige, light peach, coral, yellow ochre, and tones of grey and brown. This combination creates a soft, atmospheric field where no single color dominates. Instead, the subtle shifts between warm and cool tones generate depth and visual interest, allowing the composition to feel both grounded and fluid.
There is also a quiet reference to non-Western pattern traditions, particularly in the irregular distribution of forms and the relaxed structure of the composition. Rather than being overtly decorative, these elements contribute to a sense of continuity and rhythm, reinforcing the idea of the surface as a living field rather than a fixed image.
Handwoven in wool and natural silk, the rug enhances these qualities through texture and light. The interplay between matte and luminous fibers allows certain shapes to emerge gently, giving the composition a shifting, layered presence. Produced in a limited edition of eight by Atelier Boccara, Design N.40 features a woven signature and numbering integrated into the design, and can be customized in material, dimensions, and color palette while preserving its balanced, atmospheric character.
